22, Apr 2026
PM Modi Urges Civil Servants to Embrace ‘Nagrik Devo Bhava’ in Governance
New Delhi, Apr 22 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon India’s civil servants to place the principle of ‘Nagrik Devo Bhava’—the citizen as god—at the core of all governance decisions, emphasizing that public service must remain firmly focused on people-centric delivery and welfare.
In letters addressed to over one crore civil servants ahead of Civil Services Day, the Prime Minister highlighted that governance should be guided by compassion, accountability, and a continuous commitment to learning. He stressed that those entrusted with public responsibility must set an example through dedication and ethical service.
The letters, issued on April 20, were released in 12 languages, including Hindi, English, Marathi, Odia, Gujarati, Bengali, Kannada, Punjabi, Assamese, Malayalam, Telugu, and Tamil. This multilingual outreach was aimed at ensuring wider accessibility across ministries, departments, states, and Union Territories.
The message underscores the government’s focus on strengthening citizen-centric governance and reinforcing the role of civil servants as key drivers of policy implementation and public trust.
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- By Neel Achary
22, Apr 2026
Govt to Hold Open House on Steel Import Issues on April 27
Apr 22 (BNP): The Government is set to conduct an Open House session on April 27 to address concerns related to steel imports, bringing together key stakeholders from the industry, trade bodies, and policymakers.
The meeting is expected to focus on rising import pressures, pricing trends, and the impact of global steel supply dynamics on domestic producers. Industry participants are likely to present their views on competitiveness, demand conditions, and possible policy measures to ensure stability in the sector.
The Open House initiative is seen as part of the government’s broader effort to engage directly with industry stakeholders and develop a balanced approach that supports both domestic manufacturing and market requirements.
Steel remains a critical sector for infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing, and any policy discussion around imports is expected to have wide-ranging implications for pricing, supply chains, and industrial growth.
The session is likely to play an important role in shaping future decisions aimed at strengthening India’s steel ecosystem while addressing concerns over import dependency and market fluctuations.
22, Apr 2026
AI Growth Increasingly Constrained by Computing Power, Says Goldman Sachs
Apr 22 (BNP): Global AI development is now being limited less by model capability and more by the availability of computing infrastructure, according to Goldman Sachs.
While AI models continue to improve rapidly in performance and efficiency, the key constraint has shifted toward computing resources required to train and deploy them at scale. This includes access to advanced semiconductors, large-scale data centers, and sufficient energy supply.
The report highlights a widening gap between fast-moving AI innovation and the physical infrastructure needed to support it. Rising demand for computing power is being driven by the expansion of generative AI, large language models, and enterprise-level automation systems.
Experts note that the next phase of AI growth will depend heavily on investments in chip manufacturing, cloud infrastructure, and energy-efficient computing systems. Without corresponding expansion in these areas, the pace of AI adoption could face structural limitations.
The findings underscore a broader shift in the AI ecosystem—from software-led progress to infrastructure-led scaling—where computing capacity is becoming a critical strategic asset in the global technology race.
22, Apr 2026
Solidus Commissions Punjab’s Largest Captive Open Access Solar Power Plant
Apr 22 (BNP): Solidus has commissioned the largest captive open access solar power plant in Punjab, marking a significant step forward in the state’s renewable energy landscape.
The project is designed to provide dedicated clean power for captive consumption, reducing reliance on conventional grid electricity and lowering carbon emissions. By utilising the open access model, the plant enables efficient and cost-effective energy supply directly to consumers, improving energy security for industrial users.
The commissioning of this large-scale solar facility reflects the growing momentum toward renewable energy adoption among businesses, driven by sustainability goals, regulatory support, and the need for long-term energy cost stability.
With this development, Solidus strengthens its presence in the clean energy sector while contributing to Punjab’s expanding solar capacity and India’s broader transition toward sustainable power generation.
The project is expected to encourage further investments in captive renewable energy solutions, highlighting solar power as a viable and scalable alternative for industrial energy needs.
22, Apr 2026
NavPrakriti to Invest Over INR 1 Billion in Odisha for Critical Minerals Refining Facility
Apr 22 (BNP): NavPrakriti, an eastern India-based lithium-ion battery recycling and refurbishment company, has announced plans to invest over ₹1 billion (approximately $10.7 million) to establish a greenfield critical minerals refining facility in Odisha. The project marks a significant expansion of the company’s presence in India’s growing battery recycling and clean energy ecosystem.
The proposed facility will focus on recovering key critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel from end-of-life batteries used in smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles. This initiative aims to strengthen India’s domestic supply chain for essential minerals while addressing the rising challenge of battery waste management.
The company has stated that the facility is expected to become operational by the financial year 2029. Once operational, it will enhance large-scale recycling capacity and contribute to the development of a circular economy in the battery materials sector.
NavPrakriti’s expansion into Odisha reflects the increasing importance of sustainable resource recovery in India’s energy transition. The project is also expected to generate employment opportunities and support regional industrial growth while promoting environmentally responsible practices.
With this investment, NavPrakriti aims to play a key role in advancing India’s critical minerals strategy and supporting the country’s shift toward cleaner and more sustainable energy technologies.
22, Apr 2026
Indian Markets Open Lower as Oil Prices Weigh on Sentiment Despite Ceasefire Extension
New Delhi, Apr 22 (BNP): Indian equity markets began the day on a subdued note, with benchmark indices opening lower despite positive global developments following the extension of a US-led ceasefire. Investor sentiment remained cautious, reflecting deeper economic concerns rather than immediate geopolitical relief.
A key factor weighing on the markets is the persistence of elevated crude oil prices, which continue to hover near the $90 mark. For an import-dependent economy like India, higher oil prices pose risks to inflation, corporate profitability, and overall economic stability.
Additionally, pressure on the Indian Rupee has added to market unease, as a weaker currency increases the cost of imports and contributes to broader financial strain. Investors are also seen engaging in profit booking, while global uncertainties continue to influence capital flows.
Market movements today highlight a cautious undertone, where optimism from easing geopolitical tensions is tempered by structural economic challenges.
Beyond the indices, the impact is felt at the ground level. Rising fuel costs and currency fluctuations can translate into higher living expenses, affecting households and small businesses alike. The current environment underscores the importance of stability in energy prices and macroeconomic conditions for sustained market confidence.
22, Apr 2026
India’s Growth Narrative: Balancing Currency Trends and Unlocking Idle Gold
Apr 22 (BNP): India’s economic outlook continues to draw attention as experts highlight the dual themes of currency movement and the potential of untapped domestic wealth.
Market expert Nilesh Shah recently observed that the gradual depreciation of the Indian Rupee is a natural trend in a growing economy. He indicated that levels such as ₹100 per US dollar may be possible over time, emphasizing that such movement should be viewed in the context of broader economic fundamentals rather than immediate concern. A competitive rupee can, in fact, support exports and strengthen India’s position in global markets.
At the same time, attention has been drawn to the significant volume of gold held across Indian households—estimated at nearly $700 billion—which largely remains idle. Experts suggest that with the right policies and public trust, this gold can be monetized to support infrastructure development, economic expansion, and financial stability.
The discussion underscores the need for a balanced approach—managing external economic factors while effectively utilizing internal resources. Strengthening financial awareness, encouraging participation in monetization schemes, and building trust will be key to translating these opportunities into tangible growth.
India stands at a pivotal point where thoughtful economic strategies can help convert existing strengths into long-term, inclusive development.
22, Apr 2026
Usha on Board as Title Sponsor For CII-IWN’s First Pickleball Invitational in the Capital | Usha International
New Delhi, Apr 22: With pickleball gaining traction globally and increasingly in India’s urban and corporate communities, CII Indian Women Network (CII-IWN), in association with Usha, will host the Usha CII-IWN Pickleball Invitational in New Delhi on April 26 at REPPP, Mehrauli. 12 corporate teams comprising approximately 70 participants including business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals, will participate in the Davis Cup-stye format in a mixed team reinforcing collaboration and equal participation on court. This event showcases a significant shift in how corporate India is moving beyond traditional boardroom settings and adopting fitness as an important part of their lifestyle.
Usha’s collaboration with CII-IWN is particularly significant, given the network’s focus on women’s leadership and takes forward Usha’s larger vision of enabling emerging sports and encouraging wider participation across communities – especially inclusive, community-driven sporting experiences.
At the centre of this initiative is CII-IWN’s continued focus on enabling women leaders and building platforms that foster visibility, confidence, and cross-industry collaboration. While women today hold only around 18 – 20% of leadership roles across corporate India, participation in sport presents an additional gap, with less than 30% of women in urban India actively engaging in sports or fitness activities. Creating accessible and inclusive formats is therefore critical to expanding both participation and representation.
Participating teams include leading names such as Usha, Lovak Capital, and Bajaj Capital Insurance, with players ranging from senior leadership to emerging professionals – highlighting the growing adoption of sport-led engagement within corporate ecosystems. By introducing pickleball into its programming, CII-IWN is extending its leadership mandate into a format that is contemporary, inclusive, and reflective of evolving professional lifestyles.
Speaking on the association, Ms Komal Mehra, Head – Sports Initiatives and Associations, Usha International, said,
“Supporting the larger sporting ecosystem wherein we can empower and enable communities to adopt an active and healthy lifestyle is deeply entrenched into our foundation, especially when it means encouraging more and more women. We believe gender agnostic; inclusive sports go a long way in neutralising power dynamics to grow the team spirit and sportsmanship across ecosystems and are in sync with what the Usha CII-IWN Pickleball Invitational is setting out to achieve.”
Ruchika Jain, Chairperson, CII-IWN, added,
“We are delighted to welcome Usha International as the Title Sponsor of the CII-IWN Pickleball Invitational. Their commitment to promoting inclusive sports and empowering women strongly aligns with our vision at CII-IWN. This collaboration strengthens our effort to create meaningful platforms where women leaders can engage, compete, and connect. We look forward to building this initiative together and driving greater participation through sport.”
With participation from corporate teams and a curated set of players, the Invitational is expected to bring together a diverse mix of professionals, reflecting the evolving role of sport as a shared space for leadership, interaction, and community-building.
22, Apr 2026
Earth Day 2026: BCSSL Commends Sustainable Innovation with AI, Blue Energy Platform and Future-Ready Tech Solutions
By Tejesh Kodali, Group Chairman, Blue Cloud Softech Solutions Limited,
“Earth Day is a reminder that innovation must go hand in hand with sustainability. At Blue Cloud Softech Solutions Limited (BCSSL), we are embedding this into our approach—through energy-efficient, high-density AI data centres, developing our ‘Blue Energy’ platform to enable renewable and distributed energy adoption at scale, and advancing Edge AI capabilities that enable smarter, lower-resource operations. From AI-driven healthcare to 5G-enabled digital infrastructure, our focus is on building solutions that deliver both performance and responsibility. As we continue to evolve as a future-ready technology player, we remain committed to leveraging AI and advanced technologies to support a more sustainable and resilient tomorrow.”
22, Apr 2026
More than 6 million UK managers don’t have mental health training
New research reveals 6.1m UK workers with line management responsibility are not prepared for conversations about mental health with those they have a duty of care for.
The analysis, completed by health and safety training provider RRC International, found that one in four employees have management accountability, but 71% of them have no mental health training to support the people they look after.
This research into the disconnect between line managers and mental health training comes as data shows that mental ill health is the leading cause of long-term absence and the second most common cause of short-term absence in the workplace.
The study analysed data from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) exploring health and wellbeing at work, as well as the Chartered Management Institute’s (CMI) data on the state of UK management and leadership. It revealed that 8.58m people have management responsibilities, yet only 29% of them are trained to support with employee mental health. This means 6.09m UK managers are currently operating with no idea on the best ways to navigate mental health conversations as they arise.
Richard Stockley, Managing Director at RRC International, says: “Mental ill health remains one of the leading causes of any type of absence from the workplace. So, it is surprising that significantly less than one third of people in a management role have the necessary training and skills required to support those who are suffering with their mental health.
“The scale of the issue is clear to see. Line managers have a duty to understand best practice in order to truly help those they have responsibility for to feel safe and supported. Without it, this can lead to enhanced stress, anxiety and a lack of belonging, and for the business poor retention rates, performance and culture.
“For many, disclosing problems can be difficult, but with the right training, line managers can help support and guide their colleagues through the process, making things easier in challenging times.”
Find out more about RRC International and how to correctly manage stress at work.
